Billionhappy Talks ‘Redline Impact’ and Stylistic Influences

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

Han Yi, better known by his stage name Billionhappy, has become a rising star in the Chinese music scene — spending the past few years carving out a unique reputation in the world of hyperpop and alternative hip-hop.

More recently, Billionhappy has since joined forces with the versatile stylings of the Eastern Margins label for their immersive compilation album Redline Impact, which highlights his commitment to pushing the boundaries of electronic music while collaborating with other exceptionally gifted Asian artists in the process.

Now, Billionhappy is talking to us about his unique brand of music, the Redline Impact vision, and a desire to continue evolving with each new drop.

Billionhappy

When it comes to your own experiences with music – when did you first decide to pursue it, and who were some of your early influences? 

Billionhappy: I started making music with my friends when I was in high school, but it was not formal until 2019 when I released my first EP. But at that time, I just thought it was for fun and didn’t want to make music professionally. As I went on, I became more and more professional. The musicians who had a great influence on me in the early days were MIRAISENSHI/Drain Gang. Their music had a great impact on me at that time. I didn’t expect that hip-hop music could be done this way.

Your music has been described as everything from hyperpop to alternative hip-hop, emo rock, and more. That being said, how would you describe your style as an artist?

Billionhappy: Because I think this era is an era of fragmented information. From childhood to adulthood, I have been impacted by various music and cultures, which have led to the form of my music. I am still not clear about this question. I am still on the road of searching for myself more deeply, but I think I will become more and more clear in the music I release in the future.

What is your creative process like when working on new music? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you get into the right headspace?

Billionhappy: My creative process is a natural process for me, maybe it is also a habit. I can’t explain it clearly. I just want to record songs. But sometimes I will have some ideas and realize them through music. I record songs with plans, but most of the time I just record when I want to record songs. Ideas also come out when I am recording.

Regarding your recent work – how did you initially get involved with Eastern Margins and their latest compilation album, Redline Impact? 

Billionhappy: Eastern Margins helped me a lot when I was in the UK. I also knew Lumi a long time ago. He invited me to participate in this collection. I am very happy to be in this collection with so many excellent Asian artists.

Redline Impact features artists from across East and South-East Asia and its diaspora . What's been your favorite part about being involved in such a diverse and innovative project?

Billionhappy: What I like most is the feeling of Asians gathering together!

The compilation also aims to push the boundaries of electronic music. How do you see your contribution fitting into this collective vision? 

Billionhappy: I am satisfied with my work this time, but I think I need to work harder [in the future].

Finally, since the album highlights a variety of talented artists, who are some of the musicians currently on your playlist?

Billionhappy: Cui Jian/Dou Wei/Wang Fei I've been listening to the early music of these artists recently. They are all very famous artists in China, but I've never listened to their previous works seriously. Now I go back and listen to them and I'm deeply shocked.